Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

[Sports Day] A roundup of popular Japanese songs perfect for mass performances [Athletic Festival]

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

Mass games are a staple event at school sports days and athletics festivals.

They’re large-scale marching performances where participants change formations in sync with the timing.

When everyone moves in perfect harmony, it feels great—not just for the audience, but for the performers too!

This time, we’ve put together a list of popular Japanese songs that are perfect for mass games.

The key point in choosing tracks is that the speed matches the movement.

We’ve selected songs that make it easy to keep your steps brisk and rhythmic!

We hope you find the perfect track to match your vision!

[Sports Day] A roundup of popular Japanese songs perfect for mass performances [School Athletic Festival] (41–50)

Don’t give upZARD

Don't give up (What a beautiful memory ~forever you~)

Don't give upZARD

This is one of ZARD’s signature songs, and it’s strongly associated with sports scenes.

Not only for track and field or marathons, it’s perfect for moments of striving toward a goal or creating something together with teammates.

Its rhythm, which stirs up courage, is particularly memorable.

The song carries a powerful message of encouragement, calling on listeners to keep moving forward without giving up, so it might be a good idea to incorporate memorable movements at the points where you want to emphasize certain words.

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[Sports Day] A roundup of popular Japanese songs perfect for mass performances [School Festival] (51–60)

migratory bird[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Wataridori (MV)

migratory bird[Alexandros]

This song can be considered one of [Alexandros]’s signature tracks, with a refreshing atmosphere that evokes feelings of gazing into the distance.

Its structure is clear—with relaxed sections and a bright, expansive chorus that feels like the view opening up—so it would work well for a mass performance, allowing for dynamic contrasts.

The fresh sound incorporating acoustic guitar and the lyrics evoke a strong sense of youth.

The theme of migratory birds flocking toward their destination also makes it a perfect fit for a mass game performed by a group.

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sodasumika

sumika / Soda [Music Video]

sodasumika

It’s a song that portrays a refreshing yet bittersweet love story.

It was included on sumika’s indie-era masterpiece “I co Y” and released in November 2014.

In contrast to its lively melody, the lyrics are filled with regret for a past romance.

The word “soda” is used strikingly to express the emptiness of the relationship—that’s the key point.

I think it would make a wonderful track to color a youthful moment like a mass performance!

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Boku Sora: A Future Without Footprintsnaniwa danshi

Naniwa Danshi – My Sky ~A Future Without Footprints~ (Naniwa Danshi First Arena Tour 2021 #NaniwaDanshiShikaKatan)

Boku Sora: A Future Without Footprintsnaniwa danshi

Naniwa Danshi is an idol group that captivates many with their sweet vocals.

Included on their album “1st Love” is the track “Bokuzora — A Future Without Footprints.” The song conveys a desire to “be friends with people all over the world” and to “paint a wonderful future together.” If you perform to this warm message, it’s sure to get the crowd excited.

Another highlight is the lyrics, which incorporate images of the “sun” and “sky” that evoke a school sports day.

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TrainKetsumeishi

Ketsumeishi “Train”

TrainKetsumeishi

This song portrays the pursuit of dreams, like a train that keeps running fueled by passionate determination.

Released in August 2007 as the 14th single, it was featured as the CM song for JR East’s 20th anniversary.

Its upbeat rhythm and lyrics packed with the message “let’s keep moving forward” resonate deeply.

It’s perfect for students performing synchronized mass routines, and ideal for moments when many people unite to achieve something together.

Consider choosing it for sports days and athletic festivals.

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YONA YONA DANCEWada Akiko

Akiko Wada - YONA YONA DANCE

YONA YONA DANCEWada Akiko

Akiko Wada’s “YONA YONA DANCE” has a lively tempo that makes it perfect for marching while dancing.

Released in 2021, the song was written and composed by Kenji Mihara of Frederic, with Frederic also handling production.

It sparked a major buzz on social media, where many users posted dance videos.

Above all, the track’s brisk tempo makes it ideal for use in activities like mass games and sports.

It’s just a bit faster than walking pace, ensuring you can put on a dynamic, high-energy mass performance without a doubt!

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SUNHoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – SUN (Official Video)

SUNHoshino Gen

The perfect song for a mass performance where a large group moves as one is “SUN.” It was released in 2015 by singer-songwriter Gen Hoshino and is known as one of his signature tracks.

The sound has a somewhat nostalgic vibe.

Match the mid-tempo tune with synchronized marching and dance.

It’s also a good idea to incorporate the unique dance featured in the music video.

This number works well whether you go for rhythmic steps or create a section where the group claps together.

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